Officer Dunston was shot and killed after he and his partner responded to a robbery in progress. Officer Dunston and his partner were directed by their central dispatcher to respond to a burglary in progress on East 102nd Street in the Bronx. There was, in fact, a push in robbery in progress at the location. Three armed suspects had pushed their way into an apartment at the location and were holding the family hostage until another family member, with a combination to the family safe, arrived home.

When the officers arrived, they knocked on the door of the apartment, and when it opened, one suspect opened fire with a shotgun, killing Officer Dunston. Officer Dunston's partner returned fire and called for back-up. As he was calling for back-up all three suspects fled. One suspect was apprehended by back-up officers and the two other suspects were apprehended the next day by detectives. All three suspects were charged with murder.

Officer Dunston had been a member of the New York City Housing Authority Police Department for 11 years. He was 33 years old.

PO Dunston, you passed keeping the people in housing safe, you Housing guys did one hell of a job. You guys like Transit preformed tasks everyday that were routine , yet so important to the people you served. You have passed on to a better place. You will never be forgotten, we pray for you. Rest in Peace James.